Top 10 Fashion Design Schools in New Jersey for Aspiring Designers
Looking for the best fashion design schools in New Jersey to launch your fashion career? This guide presents the top programs that can help you turn your creative dreams into reality.
- House of Dezign stands out for its online courses catering to all age groups and its experienced instructors, making it a prime choice for budding fashion designers in New Jersey.
- Bergen Community College offers a comprehensive A.A.S. degree in Fashion Apparel Design, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and culminating in an annual fashion show that highlights student talent.
- Rutgers University’s MSBF program integrates fashion design with business, providing flexible class schedules and covering diverse areas such as Fashion Law and Branding to prepare graduates for leadership roles in the industry.
House of Dezign: Nurturing Creativity in Every Student
Tucked away in the vibrant heart of New Jersey lies a gem for aspiring designers—the House of Dezign. Founded by Roya Ranjbar, a visionary with a 7-year fashion design pedigree, this school is renowned for its commitment to fostering an environment where creativity and self-esteem are in full bloom. House of Dezign caters to all age groups, offering:
- professional sewing classes
- online fashion design courses for children taking their first artistic steps
- online fashion design courses for teens eager to delve into design
The convenience of online learning here means you can create and learn from anywhere in the world, watching sessions repeatedly at your own pace.
The fashion design instructor at House of Dezign aren’t just educators; they’re seasoned professionals with diverse backgrounds, like Ashley’s expertise in women’s sportswear and Malvina Mogielski’s profound understanding of fine arts and fashion design. Under the expert guidance of caring instructors, students are inspired to unleash their creativity, crafting unique garments and collections that reflect their individuality. It’s this blend of personal attention and professional excellence that sets House of Dezign apart as one of the premier fashion schools for kids and teens looking to leave their mark on the fashion world.
Bergen Community College: A Hub for Aspiring Fashion Designers
Bergen Community College stands as a beacon for aspiring fashion designers, offering a comprehensive A.A.S. degree in Fashion Apparel Design. At Bergen Community College, students delve into the intersection of fashion and function, honing their sewing and design skills while developing an eye for fashion’s intricate details. Beyond just a degree, the program serves as a gateway to the fashion industry, boasting state-of-the-art studio classrooms equipped with cutting-edge software and equipment for aspiring designers. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills through professional certification or seeking personal enrichment, Bergen Community College provides a platform where your fashion aspirations can take flight.
The annual fashion show, highlighting the students’ exceptional talent and dedication, is a notable event in the school calendar. This show serves as a culmination of the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the courses, providing a real-world platform for students to shine. Armed with their A.A.S. degrees, graduates are ready to navigate the multifaceted fashion industry, from accessory design to fashion management roles. Bergen Community College stands as a testament to the power of education in transforming passion into a thriving career in fashion.
Sussex County Community College: Cultivating Artistic Freedom
The Fashion Design Option within the A.F.A. – Studio Arts program at Sussex County Community College provides a landscape for students to shape their futures with strokes of creativity and artistic flair. Encouraging an inventive approach within traditional art forms, this curriculum guides students through visual challenges, mastering mediums, and understanding the roots of creativity.
A unique fusion of fashion history, design principles, textile technology, and garment construction in the program arms students with the vital skills needed for careers in art and fashion design.
Program Outcomes and Course Sequence
Graduates from Sussex County Community College possess a strong understanding of color theory and the capability to create garments that echo current trends, art history, and cultural influences. The program’s course sequence is carefully crafted to develop a comprehensive set of skills, culminating in the creation of a professional portfolio that showcases each graduate’s unique style and capabilities. With 60 total program hours, students are thoroughly prepared to pursue a bachelor’s degree or leap directly into a successful career in the fashion industry.
Montclair State University: Comprehensive Fashion Education
The Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design and Merchandising at Montclair State University offers a path into the expansive and ever-evolving realm of fashion. Situated within the Department of Art and Design, the program provides a comprehensive perspective on the fashion industry, with a focus on the design, production, and distribution of fashion products. Students here are not just learning about fashion; they’re analyzing consumer needs and trends, preparing to become the next wave of innovators in fashion manufacturing, merchandising, management, and marketing.
Montclair State University’s fashion program offers students many facets of learning, including:
- Faculty with academic depth and practical expertise
- Opportunities to participate in the annual fashion show
- A comprehensive education and portfolio that speaks to their knowledge and experience
Upon earning their bachelor’s degree, graduates of this program step confidently into the fashion world, equipped with the skills and experience needed for success.
Rutgers University: Bridging Fashion and Business
Rutgers University’s Master of Science in Business of Fashion (MSBF) program resides at the crossroads of creativity and business. This master’s program links artistic design sensibilities with strategic business acumen, nurturing a fresh generation of leaders ready to revolutionize the fashion industry. The curriculum spans diverse areas such as Fashion Law, Branding of Fashion, and Supply Chain Risk Management, ensuring graduates are well-versed in the complexities of the fashion and beauty industries.
The MSBF program accommodates the schedules of both working professionals and full-time students, offering evening and weekend classes, allowing completion within two semesters to four and a half years. This flexibility ensures that students can balance their education with personal and professional commitments while gaining the valuable skills needed to thrive in the fashion industry.
Rutgers University’s program embodies the melding of fashion savvy and Jersey resilience, yielding graduates who excel both in creativity and business acumen within the industry.
Kean University: Innovating Fashion Through Technology
Amid the ever-changing landscape of fashion, Kean University’s Robert Busch School of Design distinguishes itself as a pioneer in merging technology and time-honored design principles. The FAS 140 course, for example, immerses students in the computer software applications that are crucial to the modern fashion industry. This hands-on approach ensures that graduates are conversant with the tools and techniques that drive the industry’s evolution. Furthermore, the school’s commitment to professional development is underscored by presentations and reviews by external designers, providing students with a window into the real-world expectations and standards of the fashion world.
A wealth of opportunities awaits students at Kean University, including internships and part-time employment that equip them with vital experience for their future career success. Kean University creates a learning environment where theory and practice converge, enabling students to translate classroom knowledge into real-world industry scenarios. The result is a cadre of designers who are not only skilled in the art of fashion design but also adept at harnessing technology to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.
The Art Institute of New Jersey: Professional Training for Future Designers
The Art Institute of New Jersey serves as a creative hotspot, blending professional training with hands-on experience to shape the upcoming generation of fashion designers. With faculty members who have honed their skills at prestigious institutions like the Fashion Institute of Technology and have pursued unique global experiences, such as the Thomas J. Watson Fellowship for textile studies, the institute offers an unparalleled educational experience. At the Art Institute of New Jersey, students don’t just receive instruction; they draw inspiration from educators like Claire, whose graphic design background lends a novel perspective to her teaching.
The curriculum is tailored to ready students for the competitive arena of the fashion industry, endowing them with the requisite skills to thrive in diverse roles. Whether it’s understanding the nuances of textile production or mastering the art of collection development, The Art Institute of New Jersey ensures that its graduates are ready to make their mark as professionals. The school’s dedication to nurturing talent and providing a comprehensive education makes it one of the premier fashion schools in New Jersey, setting the stage for its graduates to thrive in an industry that values innovation and expertise.
Mercer County Community College: Accessible Fashion Education
Mercer County Community College (MCCC) provides an attainable route to a fashion career through a curriculum that covers the entire breadth of the industry. From the basics of fashion drawing in FAS 110 to the complexity of muslin draping and garment construction in FAS 150, MCCC provides a solid foundation for aspiring designers. Advanced sewing and draping skills are further honed in FAS 250, while FAS 130 delves into the intricacies of textile production. Students also explore the business side of fashion in FAS 120, gaining insight into merchandising and retail from concept to consumer.
MCCC’s fashion program invites students on a journey through fashion history and cultural trends, as explored in FAS 220, concluding with the development of a professional portfolio in FAS 260. This comprehensive overview positions students well for the multifaceted world of fashion, whether they aim to join established brands or forge their own path. At Mercer County Community College, the doors to a future in fashion are wide open, with education that is both thorough and within reach.
Middlesex College: Hands-On Learning Environment
Middlesex College differentiates itself by fostering a hands-on learning environment that enables students to convert their understanding of fashion design into practical skills. The college’s co-op program exemplifies this ethos, blending classroom learning with practical work experience, often paid and always planned and supervised. Through a minimum of 180 hours of field experience related to their major, students develop work-related learning objectives that are as practical as they are educational.
Middlesex College’s co-op program offers the following benefits:
- Bolsters students’ self-confidence and career orientation
- Incorporates seminar classes that discuss topics like professional development
- Provides a unique combination of theory and practice
- Ensures that graduates are well-equipped to explore history, master courses, and excel in their chosen career paths.
Middlesex College’s approach to fashion education is a testament to the power of applied learning, offering an associate of applied science degree that serves as a stepping stone to a four-year institution or a flourishing career.
County College of Morris: Preparing Students for the Fashion Industry
The County College of Morris (CCM) is committed to equipping students for the fashion industry through a comprehensive and customizable Associate of Fine Arts degree program. At the core of this program are 27 credits of design courses and 13 credits of fashion-specific courses, covering everything from Color Theory to Fashion Construction Technology. The program goes beyond the basics, offering electives and independent study opportunities that allow students to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals.
CCM graduates are primed to enter the fashion industry or further their education at prestigious institutions like the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and Parsons School of Design. With a focus on essential skills such as sewing and textiles, the program equips students for roles like Fashion Design Assistant, Pattern Making Assistant, and Fashion/Trade Show Assistant. Additionally, the small class sizes foster a mentoring relationship between students and professors, ensuring personalized attention and guidance throughout their educational journey.
The County College of Morris is a place where students can truly develop the skills and knowledge necessary to make a name for themselves in the ever-changing and exciting world of fashion.